Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848) to Sylvanus Bourne

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05656 Author/Creator: Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848) Place Written: Berlin, Prussia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 December 1798 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 23.4 x 19.2 cm. Order a Copy

References Bourne's letter of 23 November 1798. Writes to Bourne, American Consul in Amsterdam. Says he does not have any recent information from America. Says stories on the yellow fever in the American newspapers are distressing, but otherwise the news is good. Says Congress adjourned on 1 December 1798, but he does not know what Elbridge Gerry told them after he returned from France after the XYZ affair in October 1798. Believes that no matter what Gerry said, it will not change American-French relations. Says "As long as they continue to treat neutrals much worse than their Enemies, it is better to be at War with them than neutral." Claims the French Directory has extended their violations of international law.

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817
Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources